How to Recognize Different Types of MetalsWhen it comes to getting the most out of your metals before bringing them to the junk yard you want to sort them correctly. In order to do so, you will first need to be able to identify the difference in these various metals. Here is a quick guide to recognizing different types of metals.Ferrous and non-Ferrous metals: First you will want to be able to tell the difference between ferrous and nonferrous metals. The easiest way to do this by using simple magnet. Ferrous means that the metal carries iron content which makes it magnetic; nonferrous, on the other hand, means there is no iron and thus metal is non-responsive to a magnet.Aluminum:

Shiny grey color

Very light

Nonferrous -doesn't attract to magnet

Non sparking

Does not rust

Commonly seen in soda cans

Iron /Steel

Dull grey when unpolished

About 3x heavier than aluminum

Ferrous -attracts magnet

Very Strong

Susceptible to rust

Bronze

Dark Coppery color and gets green oxide over time

Nonferrous –doesn't attract to magnet

Alloy of copper & Tin

Vibrates like a bell when hit

Brass

Yellow & Gold Color

Nonferrous -doesn't attract magnet

Similar to Bronze – Vibrates like a bell when hit

Alloy of Copper & Zinc (usually 50% copper)

Commonly seen in musical instruments

Copper

Light red and gets green oxide over time

Nonferrous -doesn't attract magnet

Alloy similar to brass & bronze

Similar to brass & bronze – Vibrates like a bell when hit

Commonly seen in cookware, electronics and wiring

Another way to tell certain metals apart is with the “spark test”. You can do this by taking an angle grinder to your metal and observing the sparks (if any) to determine the type. Because all metals spark differently this is an easy way to identify the type of metal you are dealing with.